Community Development Director

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, however to be considered in the first round of application reviews please apply by November 23, 2026. 

The Community Development Director is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Community Development Department, which encompasses a staff size of 7.55 FTE including Planning and Building. As a key member of the City's executive leadership team, the Community Development Director will translate community vision into actionable municipal strategy to help shape the City and implement policy to ensure that the City’s mission and core values are incorporated into related operational activities and services..  Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, neighborhood groups, businesses, developers, and other governmental entities. 

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit eligible position. The City provides benefit eligible employees the following: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), employee assistance program (EAP),HRA/HSA/FSA, enrollment in Washington State's DRS PERS plan, 401(a) retirement plan (social security replacement plan) with matching employer contribution, and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP).   

In addition to vacation, sick leave, and holiday time off benefits, this position is eligible to receive an additional 48 hours administrative hours (pro-rated based on hire date).  New hires who have worked for another public entity prior to their employment with the City, will have their prior public employment tenure count at 50% towards the City’s vacation accruals. 

This position offers a hybrid schedule (2 days remote per week) upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Note: Proposed 2027 salary step schedule: $152,082.48 - $202,776.60 annually.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Planning & Policy Development

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the City’s Community Development Department including planning, building safety and code enforcement activities; ensures that the department’s programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the City’s goals and policies; recommends, develops, and oversees the administration of department policies and guidelines; performs short- and long-range Planning activities, and sets direction, goals, objectives, and priorities for the department.

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes.

Land Use Planning, Zoning, Building Plan Review and Development Regulations 

• Directs and coordinates the review of development proposals; ensures consistency in the application of building codes, zoning, environmental regulations, comprehensive plan and other related codes and ordinances; reviews and approves Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) and mitigation plans for critical areas.

• Provides administrative interpretation of all land use, standards, and regulations; reviews and approves certain permits and land use decisions; prepares and reviews reports, and recommends plan and code amendments, annexations, historic preservation projects and other planning, zoning, and building issues. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints.
• Confer with engineers, developers, architects, other agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating planning, zoning, environmental, and related activities. Oversee and administer contracts with outside engineers, planners, and consultants; review the work of consulting staff for compliance with City standards and goals.

• Reviews and monitors proposed changes and updates to Federal, State and local laws to determine their impact on planning and building policies and practices; prepares, coordinates and implements responses and recommendations.

• Monitors trends in development practices, and recommends operational and policy improvements; evaluates programs, services, and activities to ensure they are meeting community needs.

Public Involvement and Communications

• Prepares materials for and makes presentations to elected officials, hearing examiner, other agencies, and the public; represents the department to a wide variety of intergovernmental and other agencies, as well as other community, professional, construction, environmental and civic groups, and individuals; attends City Council and Planning Commission meetings, and other meetings as required.
• Represents the Community Development Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explain, justify, and defend Community Development programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
• Assists property owners, businesses, and developers in the City’s development process, which includes site selection evaluation and review, project and/or program negotiations, land assembly and relocation, financial assistance and analysis and contract and/or code compliance.

 

Personnel Management

• Develops and maintains a workforce committed to, and with highly developed competencies in, customer service, results orientation, and teamwork. Provides managerial assistance and supervision to Community Development staff in planning and implementing programs; selects, trains, motivates, mentors, and evaluates staff; establishes and monitors employee performance objectives; plans, directs and coordinates work plans; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements corrective action.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve priorities, workload and technical issues; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures.
• Facilitates problem solving in the department and encourages a high degree of communication and feedback between employees and supervisors; leads by example by maintaining high standards of behavior and performance. 

 

Fiscal and Business Management

• Develops and administers departmental budget, including forecast of funds for staffing, projects, equipment, materials, and supplies, and monitoring of expenses; makes recommendations concerning priorities, allocation of funds, materials and personnel for planning, building and code compliance activities.
• Prepares annual budget and justifies budget requests and amendments. Projects revenues and funding for the work of the Department, including management of permitting fees and funds and accessing federal and State funding sources. 
• Ensures the efficient and economical use of Departmental funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, urban planning, or related field AND at least seven years of progressively responsible senior management level experience in municipal planning, building, community development, or economic development, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience OR equivalent education/experience. 
• Valid Washington State driver’s license by date of hire and ability to maintain insurability with the City.

 

Preferred: 

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification.
• Working knowledge of Accela permitting software.

Knowledge of:

Skill in:

Ability to:

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The duties in this position are performed primarily in an office setting utilizing standard office equipment and may be subject to frequent interruptions and site visits to various City and community areas, including construction project sites, performed in all weather conditions. May be exposed to highly stressful situations and individuals who are irate or hostile. Work includes attendance at evening City Council, Commission and Committee meetings.

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